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GtkRadiant
What it is
GtkRadiant is a free, open-source level editor and toolchain for games powered by id Tech engines. It includes map compilers, data authoring tools, and Q3Map2, with tools for 3D level dimensions, terrain, and entity placement. Its 1.6 page lists games such as QuakeLive, Quake III Arena, Urban Terror, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Quake2: Remastered, Quake2, Quetoo, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force, and Jedi Academy. Support for games depends on an active developer testing and fixing issues; some titles may work only with older versions or third-party forks. GtkRadiant reads and writes assets in a game's directory, and the project recommends installing the game first. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Linux distribution is through Flathub as a Flatpak, while the Mac version requires XQuartz, MacPorts, and additional dependencies. Volunteers maintain the GPL-licensed project, which is provided as-is without warranty or support. Listed help options include forums, IRC, tutorial sites, and a GitHub issue tracker.
For and against
For
- Free and GPL-licensed.
- Includes map compilers and data authoring tools.
- Q3Map2 is included.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Against
- Provided without warranty or support.
- Game support can depend on active developer maintenance.
- Mac requires XQuartz, MacPorts, and additional dependencies.
- Flathub marks it unverified and potentially unsafe.
The verdict
GtkRadiant provides level-authoring tools for a range of id Tech games, but support varies by title and version. Check platform requirements and the project's as-is status before installing.
Who it suits
GtkRadiant is intended for commercial developers and individual modders making levels for supported id Tech games. It may also suit developers who want to work with its GitHub source.
Plans and prices
GtkRadiant
Desktop level editor · GPL software · community support · id Tech-focused
Read 15 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
On the record
- Build system
- The source builds with SCons and supports separate radiant, q3map2 and q3data targets.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company facts
- LinkedIn lists id Software as a privately held Richardson, Texas computer-games company founded in 1991 with 51–200 employees.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cross-platform support
- The official site lists Windows, Mac and Linux support.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer workflow
- Developers can submit pull requests, use the issue tracker and consult the wiki in the public GitHub repository.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Development
- The source is on GitHub, where developers can fork the project, make changes, and submit pull requests.icculus.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Development builds
- Development builds are described as experimental and potentially buggy.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Official documentation combines dated QeRadiant manuals with newer Windows and Mac compile guides and Q3Map2 manuals.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- The project encourages teams to fork and modify the GitHub source for advanced needs that the main release does not cover.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Flathub trust status
- Flathub marks the package unverified, medium risk and support unknown; it is community-provided and not affiliated with or supported by Timothee Besset.flathub.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Game assets
- GtkRadiant reads and writes game assets from the game's directory, and the project recommends installing the game before installing GtkRadiant.icculus.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Gamepacks
- Gamepacks provide game SDK files, and multiple packs can be installed and selected through project settings.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Game support
- The GtkRadiant 1.6 page lists support for QuakeLive, Quake III Arena, Urban Terror, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Quake, Quake2: Remastered, Quake2, Quetoo, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force, and Jedi Academy.icculus.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Game support limits
- GtkRadiant 1.6 game support depends on an active developer to test and fix issues, and some games may only be supported by older versions or third-party forks.icculus.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Graphics toolkit
- GtkRadiant is built with the GTK+ toolkit.icculus.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes its audience as commercial developers and individual modders making levels for supported id Tech games.icculus.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Level construction
- The repository describes an editor that includes map compilers and data-authoring tools.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- License
- The source is protected by GNU GPL version 2 and is copyrighted by id Software and contributors.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: 2D editing
- A Splash Damage forum complaint describes edge-selection and 2D drawing glitches.forums.splashdamage.com · read 15 Oct 2026
